Canceling my card

Every time I go overseas I pop into a branch to let them know I will be using my Absa card overseas but every time I get someone behind the desk telling that's fine I cab globally use my card. Until I use for the first time then it gets blocked. I thought maybe just not use absa cards and transfer my funds to my fnb card , the first time I did that they absa cancelled my Internet banking and are saying the only way to activate it is to go in a branch or give power of attorney to someone. Why do I need to do all of this when I always let you know I'm leaving the country. So disappointed and the moment I return I'm closing my bank account this is enough.